Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for accessing of a station (STA) in a wireless local area network, the method comprising: transmitting, by the STA to an access point (AP), an association request frame that includes information on service characteristic of the STA; receiving, by the STA from the AP, an association response frame that includes information on a periodic time duration within which STAs included in a predetermined group are allowed to access; transmitting, by the STA to the AP, a first data frame that includes first data within a first duration of the periodic time duration; and transmitting, by the STA to the AP, a second data frame that includes second data and changed service characteristic of the STA within a second duration of the periodic time duration, wherein the information on the service characteristic of the STA includes periodicity and importance of data transmitted by the STA, wherein the periodic time duration is determined based on the periodicity and the importance of the data, wherein the information on the periodic time duration includes an offset with respect to a beacon frame and a periodicity of the periodic time duration, wherein the beacon frame is periodically transmitted by the AP based on a beacon interval, wherein the periodic time duration is a time resource allocated to the STAs included in the predetermined group, the STAs included in the predetermined group are sensor STAs, and the periodic time duration is determined based on a service characteristic of the sensor STAs, wherein the sensor STAs included in the predetermined group are allowed to access within the periodic time duration, and other STAs which are not included in the predetermined group are not allowed to access within the periodic time duration, and wherein a wakeup timing of the sensor STAs is included within the periodic time duration.
In wireless local area networks (WLANs), sensor stations (STAs) often require periodic data transmission with specific service characteristics, such as periodicity and importance. Existing systems may not efficiently manage access for such sensor STAs, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and potential conflicts with other devices. This invention addresses these issues by providing a method for controlled access of sensor STAs in a WLAN. The method involves a sensor STA transmitting an association request frame to an access point (AP), including information about its service characteristics, such as data periodicity and importance. The AP responds with an association response frame that defines a periodic time duration during which only sensor STAs in a predetermined group are allowed to access the network. This periodic time duration is determined based on the service characteristics of the sensor STAs, ensuring efficient resource allocation. The periodic time duration is defined by an offset relative to a beacon frame and its own periodicity, aligning with the beacon interval set by the AP. Within the first duration of this periodic time window, the sensor STA transmits a data frame containing its initial data. In subsequent durations, the STA transmits another data frame, which may include updated data and modified service characteristics. The periodic time duration acts as a dedicated time resource for the sensor STAs, preventing access by non-group STAs. Additionally, the wakeup timing of the sensor STAs is synchronized within this window, optimizing power efficiency and reducing contention. This approach ensures reliable and efficient data transmission for sensor STAs while minimizing interference with other network traffic.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the offset indicates a start time of the periodic time duration after a transmission of the beacon frame from the AP.
Wireless communication systems often require synchronization between devices to ensure efficient data transmission and power management. A key challenge is coordinating the timing of operations, such as data transmission or sleep intervals, to minimize collisions and energy consumption. One approach involves using beacon frames transmitted by an access point (AP) to synchronize devices in the network. However, existing methods may not provide sufficient flexibility in scheduling periodic operations relative to the beacon frame transmission. A method addresses this by introducing an offset that defines the start time of a periodic time duration after the AP transmits a beacon frame. This allows devices to schedule operations, such as data transmission or sleep cycles, at a precise, adjustable interval following the beacon. The offset ensures synchronization while accommodating varying network conditions or device requirements. By dynamically adjusting the offset, the system can optimize performance, reduce collisions, and improve energy efficiency. This method is particularly useful in wireless networks where precise timing coordination is critical, such as in IoT or sensor networks. The periodic time duration can be configured based on network policies or device capabilities, providing flexibility in managing communication schedules.
3. A method for allowing access of a station (STA) in a wireless local area network, the method comprising: receiving, by an access point (AP) from the STA, an association request frame that includes information on a service characteristic of the STA; transmitting, by the AP to the STA, an association response frame that includes information on a periodic time duration within which STAs included in a predetermined group are allowed to access; receiving, by the AP from the STA, a first data frame that includes first data within a first duration of the periodic time duration; and receiving, by the AP from the STA, a second data frame that includes second data and changed service characteristic of the STA within a second duration of the periodic time duration, wherein the information on the service characteristic of the STA includes periodicity and importance of data transmitted by the STA, wherein the periodic time duration is determined based on the periodicity and the importance of the data, wherein the information on the periodic time duration includes an offset with respect to a beacon frame and a periodicity of the periodic time duration, wherein the beacon frame is periodically transmitted by the AP based on a beacon interval, wherein the periodic time duration is a time resource allocated to the STAs included in the predetermined group, the STAs included in the predetermined group are sensor STAs, and the periodic time duration is determined based on a service characteristic of the sensor STAs, wherein the sensor STAs included in the predetermined group are allowed to access within the periodic time duration, and other STAs which are not included in the predetermined group are not allowed to access within the periodic time duration, and wherein a wakeup timing of the sensor STAs is included within the periodic time duration.
This invention relates to wireless local area networks (WLANs) and addresses the challenge of efficiently managing access for sensor stations (STAs) with periodic data transmission needs. The method involves an access point (AP) receiving an association request from a sensor STA, which includes details about the STA's service characteristics, such as data periodicity and importance. The AP responds with an association frame specifying a periodic time duration during which only STAs in a predetermined group (sensor STAs) are permitted to access the network. This periodic time duration is determined based on the service characteristics of the sensor STAs, including their data transmission periodicity and importance. The AP then receives data frames from the STA within the allocated time slots, which may include updated service characteristics. The periodic time duration is defined by an offset relative to a beacon frame and a periodicity matching the beacon interval. Only sensor STAs in the predetermined group can access the network during these allocated periods, while other STAs are excluded. The wakeup timing of the sensor STAs is synchronized within these periodic intervals to ensure efficient and timely data transmission. This approach optimizes network resources by restricting access to specific time slots for sensor devices, reducing contention and improving overall network efficiency.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the offset indicates a start time of the periodic time duration after a transmission of the beacon frame from the AP.
Wireless communication systems, particularly those operating in unlicensed frequency bands, must efficiently share the medium with other devices to avoid interference. A key challenge is coordinating access to the channel while minimizing overhead and ensuring fair usage. Beacon frames transmitted by access points (APs) help synchronize devices, but existing methods for scheduling periodic transmissions lack flexibility in timing adjustments. This invention addresses the problem by introducing a method for adjusting the start time of periodic transmissions relative to a beacon frame. The method involves determining an offset value that specifies when a periodic time duration begins after the AP transmits a beacon frame. This offset allows devices to dynamically shift their transmission windows without altering the beacon interval, improving efficiency and reducing collisions. The periodic time duration can be used for various purposes, such as data exchange or channel sensing, and the offset ensures precise timing alignment. By decoupling the start time from the beacon frame, the system can adapt to varying network conditions while maintaining synchronization. This approach enhances medium access control (MAC) layer performance in dense or congested environments.
5. An apparatus of a station (STA) for accessing in a wireless local area network, the apparatus comprising: a receiving unit; a transmitting unit; and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: transmit, using the transmitting unit, to an access point (AP), an association request frame that includes information on a service characteristic of the STA; receive, using the receiving unit, from the AP, an association response frame that includes information on a periodic time duration within which STAs included in a predetermined group are allowed to access; transmit, using the transmitting unit, to the AP, a first data frame that includes first data within a first duration of the periodic time duration; and transmitting, using the transmitting unit, to the AP, a second data frame that includes second data and changed service characteristic of the STA within a second duration of the periodic time duration, wherein the information on the service characteristic of the STA includes periodicity and importance of data transmitted by the STA, wherein the periodic time duration is determined based on the periodicity and the importance of the data, wherein the information on the periodic time duration includes an offset with respect to a beacon frame and a periodicity of the periodic time duration, wherein the beacon frame is periodically transmitted by the AP based on a beacon interval, wherein the periodic time duration is a time resource allocated to the STAs included in the predetermined group, the STAs included in the predetermined group are sensor STAs, and the periodic time duration is determined based on a service characteristic of the sensor STAs, wherein the sensor STAs included in the predetermined group are allowed to access within the periodic time duration, and other STAs which are not included in the predetermined group are not allowed to access within the periodic time duration, and wherein a wakeup timing of the sensor STAs is included within the periodic time duration.
This invention relates to wireless local area networks (WLANs) and addresses the challenge of efficiently managing access for sensor devices with periodic data transmission needs. Sensor stations (STAs) in a WLAN often generate data at regular intervals, and their access must be coordinated to avoid collisions and ensure timely transmission. The invention describes an apparatus for a STA that includes a receiving unit, a transmitting unit, and a processor. The processor transmits an association request frame to an access point (AP), including information about the STA's service characteristics, such as data periodicity and importance. The AP responds with an association response frame specifying a periodic time duration during which only STAs in a predetermined group (sensor STAs) are allowed to access the network. The STA then transmits data frames within this allocated time, including updated service characteristics if needed. The periodic time duration is determined based on the sensor STAs' data periodicity and importance, and it is defined by an offset relative to a beacon frame and a periodicity matching the beacon interval. This ensures that sensor STAs wake up within their allocated time slot, while other STAs are excluded from accessing during this period. The solution optimizes network efficiency by coordinating sensor data transmissions and reducing contention.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the offset indicates a start time of the periodic time duration after a transmission of the beacon frame from the AP.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for managing timing in wireless networks to improve synchronization and reduce power consumption. The problem addressed is the need for efficient synchronization between wireless devices and access points (APs) to minimize power usage while maintaining reliable communication. The apparatus includes a wireless communication device configured to receive a beacon frame from an access point (AP) and determine a periodic time duration for communication based on an offset value. The offset indicates the start time of the periodic time duration after the AP transmits the beacon frame. The device uses this offset to schedule its communication activities, such as waking up to transmit or receive data, ensuring alignment with the AP's timing. This reduces unnecessary power consumption by avoiding idle listening periods and optimizes network efficiency by synchronizing device operations with the AP's beacon schedule. The apparatus may also include additional features, such as adjusting the periodic time duration dynamically based on network conditions or device requirements, further enhancing power efficiency and communication reliability. The invention is particularly useful in low-power wireless networks, such as IoT (Internet of Things) devices, where energy efficiency is critical.
7. An apparatus of an access point (AP) for allowing access of a station (STA) in a wireless local area network, the apparatus comprising: a receiving unit; a transmitting unit; and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: receive, using the receiving unit, from the STA, an association request frame that includes information on a service characteristic of the STA; transmit, using the transmitting unit, to the STA, an association response frame that includes information on a periodic time duration within which STAs included in a predetermined group are allowed to access; receive, using the receiving unit, from the STA, a first data frame that includes first data within a first duration of the periodic time duration; and receive, using the receiving unit, from the STA, a second data frame that includes second data and changed service characteristic of the STA within a second duration of the periodic time duration, wherein the information on the service characteristic of the STA includes periodicity and importance of data transmitted by the STA, wherein the periodic time duration is determined based on the periodicity and the importance of the data, wherein the information on the periodic time duration includes an offset with respect to a beacon frame and a periodicity, wherein the beacon frame is periodically transmitted by the AP based on a beacon interval, wherein the periodic time duration is a time resource allocated to the STAs included in the predetermined group, the STAs included in the predetermined group are sensor STAs, and the periodic time duration is determined based on a service characteristic of the sensor STAs, wherein the sensor STAs included in the predetermined group are allowed to access within the periodic time duration, and other STAs which are not included in the predetermined group are not allowed to access within the periodic time duration, and wherein a wakeup timing of the sensor STAs is included within the periodic time duration.
This invention relates to wireless local area networks (WLANs) and addresses the challenge of efficiently managing access for sensor stations (STAs) with periodic data transmission requirements. The apparatus is an access point (AP) that facilitates controlled access for sensor STAs while preventing interference from other devices. The AP receives an association request from a sensor STA, which includes details about the STA's service characteristics, such as data periodicity and importance. The AP then transmits an association response defining a periodic time duration during which only sensor STAs in a predetermined group are permitted to access the network. This time duration is determined based on the service characteristics of the sensor STAs, ensuring efficient resource allocation. The AP receives data frames from the sensor STA within the allocated time slots, including periodic updates and any changes in service characteristics. The periodic time duration is synchronized with the AP's beacon frame, using an offset and periodicity to define the access window. This approach ensures that sensor STAs wake up only during their allocated time, conserving energy and reducing contention with other devices. The system prioritizes sensor STAs while restricting access for non-group STAs during these intervals, optimizing network performance for IoT and sensor applications.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the offset indicates a start time of the periodic time duration after a transmission of the beacon frame from the AP.
Wireless communication systems, particularly those operating in unlicensed frequency bands, must efficiently share the medium with other devices to avoid interference. A key challenge is coordinating access to the channel while minimizing overhead and ensuring fair usage. Beacon frames transmitted by access points (APs) help synchronize devices, but additional mechanisms are needed to manage periodic transmissions without excessive signaling. This invention describes an apparatus for managing periodic transmissions in a wireless network. The apparatus includes a processor configured to determine an offset value that specifies a start time for a periodic time duration relative to the transmission of a beacon frame from the AP. The offset ensures that periodic transmissions begin at a predictable time after the beacon, reducing contention and improving synchronization. The apparatus may also include a transmitter to send data during the periodic time duration and a receiver to monitor the channel for other transmissions. The offset can be dynamically adjusted based on network conditions, such as interference or traffic load, to optimize performance. This approach minimizes overhead by avoiding frequent beacon updates while maintaining reliable periodic communication. The invention is particularly useful in Wi-Fi networks operating in dense or congested environments where efficient channel access is critical.
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October 27, 2020
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